Shepherds of Paradise

Overview

Seventy five year old Gafoor comes from a long line of shepherds, known as Bakerwals in Kashmir. The nomadic lifestyle is all that he has ever known. His life is very challenging. He has to rebuild his house on the mountains in Kashmir every year because of the damage from hostile weather. Gafoor and his family has to travel from the plains of Jammu to the mountains of Kashmir in summer, covering a distance of almost 300 Kms on foot, and reverse the trip in winter, to graze the herd of 200 animals which include sheep, goats, a cow and a few ponies . He has the huge responsibility of taking the entire caravan safely to Kashmir and then back to Jammu. The journey as always is difficult because of the steep terrain and unpredictable weather. It will take them 27 days to reach Kashmir.